Silversun Pickups @ The Vic Theatre

Silversun Pickups @ The Vic Theatre, Chicago IL

February seems like the time artists always come around to Chicago, and frankly I’m OK with that because there’s nothing else to do around that time. It’s been some years since I last saw Silversun Pickups and they are touring for their new album Physical Thrills which departs a bit in style from past albums … Read more

Canoecopia 2023

Canoecopia 2023 - Wide view of main exhibit floor

Ever since I started paddling a couple years back I’ve wanted to attend Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin. The pandemic had other plans, but thankfully in 2023 it’s back on track. Originally I planned to attend both weekend days but ended up only going Sunday due to unforseen delays. I didn’t get to see as many … Read more

Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail – BRF to Picnic Point

My Tacoma on the ice & snow covered trail between large log piles (photo courtesy of my friend Jonathan)

I’m not sure how or why it came to be reality, but for some reason our Tacoma crew decided it would be smart to try a winter outing. In February. In Wisconsin. And it was a good idea! Well mostly aside from the frozen camping. Read on for more details! Day 1: Main Trail Drive … Read more

Russian Circles @ Lincoln Hall

Russian Circles – Lincoln Hall, Chicago IL on April 10, 2022 – Blood Year tour

Picked up tickets to see Russian Circles at Lincoln Hall in Chicago, IL sometime back in October 2021. Shows were originally scheduled for January but due to an injury to someone in the band it got rescheduled for April 2022 and the two shows were combined into one. One silver lining is that COVID-19 infection/hospitalization … Read more

mewithoutYou @ X-Ray Arcade

mewithoutYou - X-Ray Arcade, Cudahy WI on January 10, 2022 - Brother Sister 15 and 16 Year Anniversary Tour

2022 also starting with back-to-back winter concerts. Also again it’s mewithoutYou (setlist here). Tonight it’s in Cudahy, Wisconsin at the X-Ray Arcade which itself is an interesting place that looks like a tiny dive from outside but has a relatively large music area inside that I didn’t expect. Crowd was packed shoulder-to-shoulder and while it’s … Read more

mewithoutYou @ Lincoln Hall

mewithoutYou - Lincoln Hall, Chicago IL on January 9, 2022 - Brother Sister 15 and 16 Year Anniversary Tour

2022 getting started with some winter concert action at Lincoln Hall in Chicago, Illinois to see mewithoutYou. I bought the tickets back in October when the tour was announced being optimistic that COVID-19 wouldn’t ruin it and thankfully, other than the opener Unwed Sailor dropping off due to positive tests, the show went on (mostly) … Read more

Lead Free Shotgun Patterning @ McMiller Sports Center

McMiller Sports Center - Fancy-pants Instagram photoshoot at shotgun patterning range

During winter I applied & was successfully awarded a tag for spring turkey hunting in Wisconsin. Now that spring was knocking on the door it was time to sort out my gear. I’ve never hunted turkey before so this was all new but an exciting challenge to embark on. The more daunting task was trying … Read more

mewithoutYou @ Concord Music Hall

Concord Music Hall - mewithoutYou

Was able to see my favorite band mewithoutYou again January 2020 at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL during Thrice’s 15 year anniversary tour for the album “Vheissu”. Venue has a no camera policy so everything was taken in potato vision from my iPhone 8. Best photo was before the show during sound checks when … Read more

Superstition Mountain – Lost Dutchman Museum

Lost Dutchman Museum - Elvis Memorial Chapel

Last stop on this trip and for 2019 as a whole. I had to stay close to the airport in Phoenix to catch my flight. I tried a few local parks and attractions within the city area but it’s Sunday with perfect weather so everything is overrun and crowded. Struck out a couple times before … Read more

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - Bridge from Viewpoint 1

Driving back from Sedona towards Phoenix, I had time for just one more stop before sundown.  Took a quick look at my map & notes and decided to try out Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Pine, Arizona. The entrance road is paved but very steep with extremely high grades. Once at the bottom there … Read more